Job Description of an Elementary School Librarian

School librarians (or library media specialists) in elementary schools collect, organize and promote information resources in the school library that support the curriculum and the needs of its students.

Duties

Elementary school librarians develop, implement and promote the school library (or media center) program within their elementary school. They manage library staff, equipment and facilities, and serve as experts in books, electronic resources and audiovisual materials.

Education

Elementary school librarians are usually required to hold a master’s degree in library science or education and a specialization in school libraries/media centers.

Certification

Many states require school librarians to hold a teaching certificate but might not require actual teaching experience, and some states require them to pass a comprehensive exam.

Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in librarian positions in general -- a predicted 7 percent per year -- will be slower than average for all jobs from 2012 to 2022, but the outlook is still positive for public school librarians in particular.

Earnings

In 2012, elementary and secondary school librarians had median annual earnings of $57,310, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.